Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for providing an automated medication handling system that can, among other things, single-dose package medications, store and dispense medications in a pharmacy, transport medications to a nursing unit or other remote location, store them at that remote location, and load them into a portable unit carried by a nurse, who may dispense the medication at a bedside.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for providing an automated medication handling system that can, among other things, single-dose package medications, store and dispense medications in a pharmacy, transport medications to a nursing unit or other remote location, store them at that remote location, and load them into a portable unit carried by a nurse, who may dispense the medication at a bedside.

Abstract: A mobile robot is disclosed. The mobile robot includes a housing. The mobile robot includes a memory module coupled to the housing. The memory module is configured to store an image file of at least one ink mark that is arbitrarily shaped and is human-imperceptible and that forms a landmark on a navigable route. The mobile robot includes a detector mounted to the housing. The detector is configured to detect ink marks marked on a surface. The mobile robot includes a confidence matching system coupled to the memory module and the detector. The confidence matching system is configured to determine whether a detected ink mark is a landmark based on a comparison of the detected ink mark with the stored image file of the at least one ink mark. The mobile robot includes a navigation system coupled to the confidence matching system configured to navigate the robot through an area including the navigable route based on recognition of the landmark.

Abstract: Devices and methods for reading multiple types of RFID tags having different frequencies and/or encoding schemes are disclosed. One or more search signals covering a plurality of RFID bands are transmitted. A presence indication of an RFID tag in one of the plurality of RFID bands is detected. An interrogating signal having a carrier frequency tuned to a frequency at which the presence indication is detected is transmitted. A tag response signal comprising tag information associated with the RFID tag is received. A digital response signal based on the tag response signal is digital signal processed to obtain the tag information.

Abstract: Systems and methods of extending battery life in inventory control devices are disclosed. A passive receiver configured to wirelessly receive an initiation signal having an associated energy field from a remote control system and to output a mode change signal is provided. The passive receiver is configured to be powered by an energy field associated with the initiation signal. A functional module coupled to the passive receiver and configured to be powered by a self-contained power source when the functional module is in an active mode is provided. The functional module is further configured to receive the mode change signal from the passive receiver and to change from an inactive mode to the active mode. The functional module draws more power from the power source in the active mode than in the inactive mode.

Abstract: A method of tracking an inventory comprises associating a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) values corresponding to a plurality of RFID tags with an inventory item, affixing the plurality of RFID tags to a plurality of surfaces of the inventory item such that antenna axes of the plurality of RFID tags are oriented in a plurality of directions, wirelessly sensing RFID tags affixed to items in the inventory using an antenna array comprising one or more antennae, and deciding, if one or more of the plurality of RFID values associated with the inventory item is sensed, that the inventory item is present in the inventory, otherwise deciding that the inventory item is not present in the inventory.

Abstract: An automated medication dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a memory configured to store identifying information for at least one item. The identifying information includes an indicator associated with at least one specific feature of the at least one item. The system also includes a processor configured to dispense the at least one item to a user, an output module configured to display the identifying information for the at least one item, and an input device configured to receive, from the user, input indicating that the user has verified that the dispensed item has the same identifying information as the identifying information displayed by the output module. Handheld devices, bedside administration systems, methods, and machine-readable mediums are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring the inventory of products in a storage device that has an antenna are provided, wherein each product has a corresponding wireless tag having a unique wireless tag identification.

Abstract: A medical supply station is disclosed. The medical supply station includes a securable compartment configured to hold medical supplies, and a controller. The controller is responsive to access information and is configured to selectively permit access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is authorized for access, and restrict access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is not authorized for access. The medical supply station also includes a critical access module configured to, upon actuation, bypass the access information required by the controller and permit substantially immediate access to the securable compartment. The medical supply station further includes an image capturing device, coupled to the critical access module, configured to capture at least one image of an area proximal to the medical supply station in response to actuation of the critical access module.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and receiver for decoding a data signal from analogue signals received at one or more receiving antennas (24). The decoding is performed on the basis of bit value probabilities (66) derived from an effective signal to noise ratio (ESNR) (64) and a respective symbol error value (SEV) (62) calculated for all of the one or more receiving antennas. The ESNR is calculated utilising signal to noise ratios (SNRs) (58) per sub-channel and sub-channel transfer functions (60) measured for each of the one or more receiving antennas (24). Also, the SEVs are calculated utilising the measured sub-channel transfer functions.

Abstract: Method and system for detecting magnetic contaminants in products (160). The product (160) is transported past magnetic sensors (170, 180) which return a first sensed signal S1 (172) and a second sensed signal S2 (182) being time-spaced received versions of the source signal produced by the product (160). From the sensed signals (172, 182) it is determined whether a magnetic contaminant has been detected. Gradiometry may be applied between the signals (172, 182). A so-called auto-cross-correlation comprising +/?(CC1+CC2?AC1?AC2) derived from the cross-correlation (CC1) of S1 with S2, the cross-correlation (CC2) of S2 with S1, the autocorrelation (AC1) of S1 and the autocorrelation (AC2) of S2, may be used to improve signal recovery from noise. The auto-cross-correlation may be applied in other applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for simulating physical features of a projected keyboard in a sterile environment by incorporating a mechanical keyboard and a virtual keyboard. A keyboard projection apparatus projects light toward a mechanical keyboard. When a key is pressed, the keyboard projection apparatus tracks finger locations. User input is created by the keyboard projection apparatus and can be processed by a computer or other electrical equipment. By using an actual keyboard having simple mechanical components with the keyboard projection apparatus, the tactile feel can be realized and the keyboard can be easily cleaned or disposed of.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for providing an automated medication handling system that can, among other things, single-dose package medications, store and dispense medications in a pharmacy, transport medications to a nursing unit or other remote location, store them at that remote location, and load them into a portable unit carried by a nurse, who may dispense the medication at a bedside.

Abstract: An IV product comprises a flexible fluid bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag. The IV product may include an information element such as a bar code, RFID or the like which provides information. The IV product may also include a mechanism for expelling fluid from the fluid bag, such as an inflatable bellows. In one embodiment, the IV product may be mated to a docking station or receptacle. One or more elements may be provided for aligning and connecting the IV product to establish a fluid connection with the fluid bag.

Abstract: An IV product transport device is configured to transport an IV product from one location to another in automated fashion. The transport device may comprise a chassis with one or more ports for IV products. A drive mechanism is configured to move the transport device. In one embodiment, the transport device includes a controller. Information may be provided to the controller about an IV product, such as its intended destination or use. The controller may also exchange information with a delivery device, such as an infusion pump, to verify that the IV product is delivered to the proper destination. The transport device may include a delivery mechanism for off-loading an IV product. The transport device may deliver IV products of various configurations, including one in which the product comprises a flexible bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag.

Abstract: A high power pulsed laser having a Q-switched seed laser lasing at a preselected wavelength at TEM00 mode to produce a pulsed seed beam is disclosed. One or more substantially non-depolarizing optical amplifier media namely Nd:YVO4 or Nd:GVO4 crystals are used in optical communication with the seed laser. The optical amplifier media has a stimulated emission spectrum overlapping the preselected wavelength. A pumping source is provided in optical communication with the optical amplifier media to supply 15 watt or more of pumping power to excite the amplifier media and amplify the pulsed seed beam. The resulting laser produces 15 watts or greater of output power at the preselected wavelength. A temperature controller is desirably provided to regulate the temperature of the optical amplifier medium within a preselected range selected to enhance the amplification of the seed beam by increasing the degree of overlap between the stimulated emission spectrum and the seed beam wavelength.

Abstract: A communications system, including at least one base station (8) at the surface, at least one repeater station (6) below the surface, and at least one mobile station (4) below the surface, the stations (4, 6, 8) establishing a bidirectional communications path between the mobile station (4) and the base station (8).

Abstract: A device for inspecting solder connections between a component and a substrate or between two components or substrates, wherein the component is disposed upon the surface of the substrate, the device including an image receiving unit. An image transmitting device, the image transmitting device including a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the image receiving unit. A tip assembly removably coupled to the second end of the image transmitting device, the tip assembly further including a mirror and an image receiving aperture, the tip assembly configured to transmit an image of the solder connections received by the mirror, through the image transmitting device, to the image receiving unit, and an illumination device, the illumination device including a light source, at least one light transmitting device, and at least one light emitting aperture disposed adjacent the image receiving aperture, the light emitting aperture directed towards the solder connections to be inspected.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a point-of-care (POC) station that comprises a mobile cabinet with securable compartments and a pylon release mechanism. The POC station also comprises an immovable pylon, an articulated arm, and a terminal having a monitor. The POC station extends the medication and supply infrastructure into the patient room.

Abstract: A device for inspecting solder connections between a component and a substrate or between two components or substrates, wherein the component is disposed upon the surface of the substrate, the device including an image receiving unit. An image transmitting device, the image transmitting device including a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the image receiving unit. A tip assembly removably coupled to the second end of the image transmitting device, the tip assembly further including a mirror and an image receiving aperture, the tip assembly configured to transmit an image of the solder connections received by the mirror, through the image transmitting device, to the image receiving unit, and an illumination device, the illumination device including a light source, at least one light transmitting device, and at least one light emitting aperture disposed adjacent the image receiving aperture, the light emitting aperture directed towards the solder connections to be inspected.